Dermasterias imbricata

(Grube, 1857)

Vernacular names
English : Leather star
French : Etoile cuir

Classification
Class : Asteroidea
Order : Valvatida
Family : Asteropseidae
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification
Adults can grow to a diameter of 30 cm. Broad but short and plump arms with no scaly edges. Surface very smooth and covered with clusters of red erect breathing papillae. The rest of the body is purplish grey.

Range and habitat
The species occurs in the north-eastern Pacific Ocean, from Alaska to Sacramento reef in Baja California, Mexico. Lives in intertidal habitats in partially sheltered areas, to 90 meters deep.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : NOT LISTED
CITES : Not listed
Status : The species’ huge range and wide variety of habitats is no cause for concern but global warming effects are yet to be studied on this species.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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